Billeted Indonesian Teak Self Bow: Pyramid Style

[Limbit]

"Nemetona": 50#@28'' (Yes, I understand the draw picture is not to 28'') 170cm, 550g. Indonesian Teak purchased here in Taiwan where I reside. Cut came from a very clean log...so clean I decided I'd give Teak a try even though it is not a typical bow wood. Billeted with a simple V-splice reinforced with with some metal inserts and turquoise nodes. Horn tips and strike plate. Heat-treated belly with 5cm of reflex induced. Took only 3cm of set (around an inch). Fires briskly and is surprisingly light to hold. No need for varnish, but I varnished it anyway. Teak seems to be a promising wood when treated correctly. The only information I could find on it indicated that it works well as a pyramid bow, so a pyramid bow it is. Beyond that, there is a lot of hearsay regarding teaks working properties as a bow wood. I think this might be due to "African Teak" (Milicia excelsa) getting lumped together with "True Teak" (Tectona grandis). They probably share few characteristics.
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[burchett.donald]

 Excellent craftsmanship, beautiful wood and bend...How long is the handle?
                                                                                                                Don

[Limbit]

I can't remember, the total length of the handle, but the splice is a 14cm splice (about 5 1/2 inches). I usually shoot for a 18-20cm handle. This handle is actually slightly bendable despite the splice and I will be binding it up with some leather soon just to be triple safe with this super oily wood. Just wanted to show the splice first.

[adams89]

very cool nd nice to see people try new things, this bow came out great!

[IdahoMatt]

Nicely done.  Very cool flat too. 

[ajbruggink]

Excellent work!

[wizardgoat]

Looks nice, but for sure no where near 28" let's see er bend for real!

[---GUTSHOT--->]

Sweet bow

[Arrowind]

Looks cool.  Nice job!

[Jim Davis]

Might you consider gluing a piece on the back of the handle so you could round it? It can't be comfortable to shoot with the back flat and those abrupt corners...

[Limbit]

I used to do fancy handles, but I like flat handles more now. I hold the bow very flat in my hand and prefer a slightly bendy handle like you might see in a paddle bow. The aboriginal teacher I have here in Taiwan taught me how to shoot and the way they hold their hands makes a flat-handle more comfortable for me. They usually have something like a pistol grip or just a flat handle depending on the material used. But yes, it looks jagged.